What Is Feminism In International Relations? - International Policy Zone

[0:03]What is feminism in international relations? What does feminism in international relations really mean? This approach is all about bringing gender into the conversation about global politics. It questions why traditional theories often overlook women and gender dynamics. Feminism in international relations shows us that international politics is not neutral. Instead, it is shaped by ideas about masculinity and femininity that influence power, security, and economics. At its heart, feminist international relations critiques the lack of women's voices in decision-making. It argues that traditional theories are blind to how gender impacts global politics. Feminist scholars point out that gender is not just about identity. It also organizes who gets to participate in international relations and whose interests matter most. Feminism in international relations gained traction in the late 1980s and 1990s. This was a time when the world was rethinking dominant theories after the Cold War. Feminist scholars use critical and post-structuralist methods to challenge established knowledge. They aim to reveal how gendered assumptions shape international politics. This approach encourages a feminist consciousness, which means paying attention to both women's experiences and the roles of masculinities in global issues like war and security. In practical terms, feminist international relations has made a mark on international policy. It advocates for gender equality in institutions like the United Nations and the World Bank. This means pushing for women's voices to be included in peace building, human rights, and security strategies. Feminist international relations broadens the definition of security. It includes human security issues such as gender-based violence, economic inequality, and social justice. By bringing gender into the analysis of international relations, feminist theory changes how we understand power and conflict. It highlights that global political structures affect men and women in different ways. This approach not only addresses the exclusion of women but also questions traditional ideas of power and authority that have historically dominated the field. In essence, feminism in international relations is a framework that examines how gender shapes global politics. It challenges existing theories by exposing biases and advocating for policies that recognize the importance of women's experiences and gender dynamics in world affairs.